In Remembrance

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

In response, Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

Memorial Day, Decoration Day, Remembrance Day - whatever we choose to call this day, let us all set aside some time to reflect on it's meaning and to honor the memory of the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country and in the name of freedom around the world. The sacrifices made on our behalf require that not one of our citizens ever forget that we walk in freedom because there have been those who were willing to lay down their lives that it would be so; that our flag flies freely because there have been those who were willing to lay down their lives that it would be so; and that our Constitution continues to be our guidepost because there have been those who were willing to lay down their lives that it would be so.

We will never forget and we will teach our children who will teach their children. We will never forget.

John Garand Joins Springfield Armory

It was 1919 when John Garand, an employee of the Bureau of Standards, submitted plans for a light weight machine gun to the Ordnance Department. The Department did not need a light machine gun but believed Garand's principle might be applied to a Semi-Automatic rifle. The Ordnance Department hired him at a salary of $3,600 a year. It should be noted that the average household income in 1919 was a mere $1,518 so Mr. Garand was certainly believed to be a valuable addition to Ordnance. That was the beginning of his career at Springfield Armory which lasted until his retirement in 1953. Mr. Garand's contributions to modern armaments are truly amazing.

Blogging - a new adventure

This is a new adventure for us - blogging. It will take a little time to become accustomed to this format of communication but Mike and I are looking forward to the challenge (as if we didn't have enough challenges.) This will give us a chance to add information as well as some pretty strong opinions about what is going on in the world today. Stay tuned.....